Re: Alfie May
Bluelube64I believe Davies has created a problem here that doesn't even exist.
Alfie May is a number 9. He likes to lead the line and play off the shoulder. He's livelely and reads the game well and is a constant threat as we saw before Stansfield arrived. Just because he's not built like Juke doesn't mean he can't be a center forward. He's a natural goalscorer.
Stansfield is a natural inside right, he doesn't lead the line well as a number 9 or drop into central midfield like you would expect your number 10 to do. I'm no analyst but his best work and the majority of his goals I would say come down the right channel. Now we know Davies likes to play his right back as a virtual winger so surely Stansfield is the perfect option for right sided of a three.
Willumson is a number 10. Don't think there is any argumeunt there. It's his best position and the best we have for it.
The left side can be filled equally well by Anderson or Yokoyama depending on form fitness etc.
Just play your best players in their best positions and they'll work it out for themselves.
I agree with all of this.
I do also feel that our wing back penetration has deteriorated since Laird came back. Cochrane is fine on the left, and whilst Laird has undoubted qualities, his habit of wasting the final ball has not gone away.
I think we had more penetration when TGH was in that role. He can also hit a decent long pass which isn’t as strong in Laird’s skillset.
That only leaves the CB role to fix and I think any of the top 3 will suffice (we have just been reminded who is 4th) - though I do think it’s handy to have a left footer in there.